Are Lilies Toxic to Dogs?
The toxicity of lilies depends heavily on the specific species. True lilies (Lilium species) are primarily dangerous to cats, but some lily-like plants can cause problems for dogs too.
Lilies That Can Harm Dogs
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): Contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat
- Calla lily: Also contains calcium oxalate crystals
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): Highly toxic — contains cardiac glycosides that can cause serious heart problems in dogs
Signs of Lily Poisoning in Dogs
Depending on the type of lily consumed, symptoms may include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and in serious cases (Lily of the Valley), heart arrhythmias.
What to Do
If your dog chews on any lily plant, call your veterinarian. While many lily ingestions cause only mild irritation, Lily of the Valley ingestion is a serious emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.